Derick Elomina discovered poker at 14, playing home games with his high school friends. What began as a pastime quickly grew into a passion that shaped his career. By 21, he entered the poker industry as a field reporter — just old enough to step foot inside the casino. Starting as a hand reporter, he steadily honed his craft, blending sharp observation with growing writing skills. Known for his dedication, he constantly roams the floor to capture the action, conduct interviews, and deliver live updates. With a strong commitment to the game and a passion for telling poker’s stories, Derick continues to build his path in the industry.

Updated: 2025.12.20

Aj Cris Acdal is a Filipino professional poker player who has become a prominent and highly successful figure on the Asian poker circuit, particularly recognized for his dominance in major Manila-based festivals.

Career Earnings & Biggest Results

According to The Hendon Mob, Aj Cris Acdal has accumulated total live earnings of $74,997. He is currently ranked 150th on the Philippines All Time Money List and has established himself as a title-winning force in the Asian Poker Tour (APT) and PokerStars LIVE Manila series.

His career-best score occurred in February 2025 at the APT Manila Classic, where he outlasted a field of 378 entries to win the PHP 20,000 No Limit Hold’em – Double Stack (Event #82) for PHP 1,251,264 (∼$21,668).

Acdal has maintained exceptional form throughout 2025 with several other major victories and deep runs:

Manila Megastack 22 (March 2025): He captured another title in the PHP 20,000 No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty, earning a total payout of PHP 717,000 (∼$12,500) including bounties.
Manila Megastack 21 (January 2025): He secured a 5th-place finish in the PHP 15,000 Mini Main Event for PHP 125,500 (∼$2,155).
Philippine Poker Millions (August 2025): He recorded a deep run in the PHP 55,000 Main Event, finishing 84th for PHP 110,000 (∼$1,927).
Manila Megastack 23 (December 2025): Most recently, he reached the final table of the PHP 15,000 Double Stack, finishing 8th for PHP 76,000 (∼$1,299).

Biography & Poker Background

Originally from the Philippines, Acdal has rapidly ascended the national rankings, currently holding a Global Poker Index (GPI) ranking of 6,787th worldwide. He is a quintessential “circuit grinder,” frequently appearing in high-volume series at the Okada Manila and Metro Card Club in Pasig City. His progression from local tournaments to winning major international festival side events demonstrates a player who has mastered the specific dynamics of the competitive Filipino poker market.

Play Style & Strategy

Acdal is known for a highly effective and aggressive tournament strategy, particularly excelling in Double Stack and Mystery Bounty formats where chip accumulation is critical. His ability to navigate massive fields, evidenced by his APT victory over nearly 400 players, highlights strong late-stage composure and technical proficiency in high-pressure final table environments. By consistently securing deep runs in both standard and specialized structures like the AJPC Samurai Circuit, he demonstrates a versatile approach that adapts to varying field textures across the Asian circuit.

Recent Attendances